Clipping for Cash

Web merchants have followed the traditional retail world by offering rebates or coupons on products. Although you'll find a few print-and-mail coupons out there, most rebates can be redeemed online. You normally just fill in a promotional code when ordering.

Some merchants centralize online electronic versions of rebate coupons in one section of their Web sites. This makes it easy to find the coupons when you need them and lets shoppers browse coupon offers before buying.

As in any business, economies of scale apply online. So don't forget to check into any volume discounts that may be available through your employer. Some merchants, such as CDW and Insight Direct, offer tailored Web pages that automatically reflect the volume pricing enjoyed by your organization. These sites may also include special configurations favored by your company.

It's wise to purchase smaller items such as removable media, printer cartridges, and other consumables in volume. These items almost always wind up being replaced at a later date, and you can often save a lot of money by purchasing just a few more than you need right away.